The University of Oklahoma wrestling program announced the addition of Austen Palmer as the Sooners' new volunteer assistant coach on Monday. He replaces Teague Moore, who held the position last season. Palmer joins head assistant Barry Weldon and assistant Rodney Jones on head coach Jack Spates' staff.

This is Palmer's first coaching assignment. He completed his collegiate wrestling career at Iowa State University last season and graduated from Iowa State in August. Palmer just recently relocated to Norman, but his first impressions of the city and the team have been positive.

"I like it in Norman and I think the team has some great chemistry and a lot of great talent," Palmer said.

When he joined the Sooners, Palmer was greeted by at least one familiar face on his new team. His brother Brandon is a freshman for the Sooners. The Palmers are originally from Durham, N.C.

"I think Oklahoma is a good place for my brother and me," the elder Palmer commented.

In addition to his duties as an assistant coach, Palmer will continue to train for the possibility of competing in the Olympic Games.

At Iowa State, Palmer wrestled at 184 pounds and compiled a 37-31 record in two seasons. As a senior, he placed fourth at the Big 12 tournament and competed at the NCAA Championships.

Palmer transferred to Iowa State from the Virginia Military Academy where he posted a 34-20 record and qualified for the 2000 NCAA Championships at 174 pounds.

In high school, Palmer compiled a 47-1 record as a senior and placed third at the North Carolina state wrestling tournament, earning him PAC-6 Conference wrestler of the year honors. He was coached by Walt Tolarchyk at Riverside High School in Durham, N.C.

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